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Windows 7: Encrypt emails and data

In the light of the concern/debate re the privacy issues in Windows 10 which is something I am not entirely happy with I am wondering if there is a way of encrypting one's emails and data so that it is not available to anyone including Microsoft.
I realise that any recipient of one's mail would necessarily need to have the code for decryption but with sensitive stuff ie personal/intimate discussions or banking details I think it is sacrosanct to me and just the people I deal with.
If there were I would give the 10 OS another go - if not then I shall stay with 7 until it gasps it's last. Where to then well there is not much apart from Linux that I can see.

I'm a big, big fan of Tutanota for its simplicity and security. https://tutanota.com/
100% end-to-end encryption when both sender and receiver use it, encrypted servers in Germany (not in the U.S.!), and 100% free with 1GB of storage. Priced plans are also available.

Thanks OvenMaster I will check it out - I use WLM and Chrome at the moment - I suppose the only drawback with encryption is the receiver has to use the same program but I am happy with that as I am only really concerned with emails to my very personal contacts ie my brother in England.

Encryption would only help with transference problems, like people passively listening on data lines, owners of mail servers, and maybe people that have physical access to the computers involved. While that's of course good and desirable, I think that's not what you're after (partially, at least).

The problem with Windows 10 is that the OS itself comes pre-infected with spyware. That work at a lower level from the transmission where encryption is useless. For instance, the Win10 keylogger woudl catch everything you type before having a chance to encrypt anything. The encryption password would also be exposed by this means too. Any files on your computer can also be theoretically spied upon if all those rumors about Win10 comes to be true.

The thing is, if your own OS is compromised (no matter how) there is no way your communications can be truly private. The reason is the same of that "don't do banking on a virus-ridden machine", the transmission itself can be safe, but your end is not. Depending on how much do you trust Win10 and their "privacy" policy, you should treat it the same way.

Encryption would only help with transference problems, like people passively listening on data lines, owners of mail servers, and maybe people that have physical access to the computers involved. While that's of course good and desirable, I think that's not what you're after (partially, at least).

The problem with Windows 10 is that the OS itself comes pre-infected with spyware. That work at a lower level from the transmission where encryption is useless. For instance, the Win10 keylogger woudl catch everything you type before having a chance to encrypt anything. The encryption password would also be exposed by this means too. Any files on your computer can also be theoretically spied upon if all those rumors about Win10 comes to be true.

The thing is, if your own OS is compromised (no matter how) there is no way your communications can be truly private. The reason is the same of that "don't do banking on a virus-ridden machine", the transmission itself can be safe, but your end is not. Depending on how much do you trust Win10 and their "privacy" policy, you should treat it the same way.

Then may I suggest a paid version of KeyScrambler: https://www.qfxsoftware.com/
I use the free version with Win7 as it works with all my browsers, and that would include using Tutanota.

Jeez, it looks like it's smart to keep 7 chugging along for as long as humanly possible. I wonder what various governments think of their own agencies and departments using Win10 with all the phoning home and privacy breaches. I mean, it seems to be okay to spy on innocent citizens, but what about all the three-letter agencies actually doing the spying? Who watches the watchers?

I wonder what various governments think of their own agencies and departments using Win10 with all the phoning home and privacy breache

What an excellent observation as I am sure there are many who use work computers for home use.

I also think about those who communicate with lawyers and other agencies too including say your own private medical records. This is rather relevant to me because I work in the health system and while we are still using 7 I don't suppose t will be long before the new system raises it's ugly head.

I don't know it seems like the honeymoon is over folks - nothing's sacred anymore.

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